“So, what happened that would make you think she wanted to go home with you?”
A deep sigh escapes me as I swirl black grounds floating in the cream. “We hooked up after the last summer party of our senior year. She was going to college and I was headed to boot camp. We were two scared kids starting on their adult life adventure. Sex made a whole lot of sense.”
I neglect to mention how many times she wrote and how much I regret not answering.
“Let me get this straight. After not seeing her for years, you assume she wants to sleep with you.” Standing, he slaps me on the back. “Hope you learned your lesson.”
“I did. I am not getting within ten feet of Ms. Adams ever again.”
“Good. Get out of here. Talk to Stacy’s parents.” He looks down at his notes. “Jeff said he was grading papers until late. If we’re looking at foul play, it’s not much of an alibi. See if you can find anyone to back up his story.”
“Yes sir.” Pleased how well I answered his questions, I whistle to Toby, who lifts his head off my foot.
“C’mon boy.” When I open the back of the county truck, he jumps in the back. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
He whines. I’m not sure if he agrees but his tail wags and he leans forward, willing me to get a move on.
Driving down the road a piece, I park in front of an old Victorian farm house and jump out. As I climb the steps, freezing rain pelts my head and bounces off the cracked cement.
I knock, Jackie opens the door, and I almost don’t recognize her. Dark circles line her puffy red eyes. Losing a daughter must be the hardest thing a mom can endure and my heart goes out to her.
She points to her dining room table laden with breakfast sweets. “Come in. I… um… I’m sorry for the mess. Want something to eat?”
“No, no. I just ate. Can we sit for a moment?” I lead her to the couch and glance up the stairs. “Is Karl here?”
Stacy’s father exits the kitchen, looking a lot older than his fifty years. “What can we do for you, deputy?”
“I hate to ask. Your daughter’s passing was ruled an accident but Al and I would like to hold off on the burial. We’re thinking about bringing in an expert from Burlington.”
“I told you he did it.” Jackie’s eyes widen and she shares a meaningful glance with her husband.
“Who did what?” My gut tightens as they sit on either side of me on the sofa.
“Jeff pushed her, I know it.” Her hands wring in her lap and her lower lip quivers.
“We can’t be sure, dear.” Karl reaches across me to comfort her.
Eyes, red from crying, lift to my face. “Yes, we can. She had bruises on her upper arms like someone had grabbed her. He was abusive.”
“Now, honey. Be reasonable. We have no proof.” He shoots me an apologetic look accompanied by a shrug.
Jackie stands, clenching both fists at her side. “He was a cheating sonofabitch. We can at least agree on that.”
The father of the dead girl tugs his wife to his lap and twists his head my way. “We tried to get Stacy to leave him. She deserved so much better than him. No matter what we said, she insisted on staying and working things out.”
Karl’s voice cracks as he tries to hold off tears. “We should've done more. I was her dad. It was up to me.”
“Thank you both. I’ll let myself out.” Other than platitudes, there’s nothing else for me to say so I stand. People fall down the stairs every day, banisters in old farm houses break, and sometimes, assholes are abusive. None of it adds up to murder, at least not yet.
Chapter 4
Danni
I wake around eight, take a deep breath, and smile because I avoided stepping in poop this morning. While early by city standards, my mother considerssleeping inobscene, immoral, and decadent. The inn would be easier but she’ll be hurt if I stay another day. So, I slide off the covers and move my ass out of bed. Dressed in jeans, turtleneck, and sweater, I open my emails and schedule an emergency meeting of the Society of Online Sleuths. If last night is any indication, I’m going to need their insight to solve my high school friend’s murder.
As an added bonus, Cole Abbot will learn an important lesson about intelligent women. I’m not a cock tease. What an arrogant jerk.
From the lobby, I call my mother to let her know I’m on my way. After checking out, I drive the few blocks home where she embraces me in a bear hug. From the mudroom, I follow her lily scent into the kitchen.
